In an interview with the German Press Agency, Muslim Brotherhood (MB) chairman Dr. Mohamed Badie, stated that violence in the recent Maspero incident was instigated by remnants of the former regime as they carried out threats to destroy Egypt if they were politically isolated.

In an interview with the German Press Agency, Muslim Brotherhood (MB) chairman Dr. Mohamed Badie, stated that violence in the recent Maspero incident was instigated by remnants of the former regime as they carried out threats to destroy Egypt if they were politically isolated.

"The people remain undivided, concerning the political isolation of these remnants. We have repeatedly called for this", Badie said, adding, "Measures should have been taken following these abhorrent threats".

Badie denied that Egypt was on the verge of a 'civil war' between Muslims and Copts. “In fact,” he said, "Copts in Aswan rejected and slammed the violence in Maspero where many were killed and injured." He continued: “The original problem could have been resolved locally between Muslims and Copts, especially since both worked as a united front to protect Coptic churches and monasteries, before”.

"We understand that the Copts are angry. The MB in particular has been repeatedly subjected to injustices, repression and persecution, where tens of thousands of its members were unfairly arrested, detained and imprisoned during the Mubarak reign," Badie added.

Badie called for the problems to be settled as soon as possible, because any delays will prove to be a threat to national stability. He slammed the timing of the execution of the man found guilty of a massacre in Nagy Hammadi a few years earlier, stressing that it did not help solve the current problem. Badie wondered: “Why wasn’t this so-called murderer executed before?!”

He also said: "We all have demands, but there are legitimate channels through which we can realise our aspirations. Those channels were previously blocked by the former regime. However, recent elections in the syndicates and other establishments have indicated that things have improved and will improve further with the running of the elections to choose representatives in parliament".

He called for tolerance, stating, "We must be a little patient," adding, "Once an elected parliament is in place, ministers and government officials will be closely monitored to avoid a repeat of the Mubarak era".

Badie rejected demands by some political forces to dissolve Dr. Essam Sharaf's cabinet. "A transitional government cannot be expected to settle issues in a few months," he said, adding "No entity would have been capable of resolving the problems overnight".

Addressing claims that the military (SCAF) had resorted to violence in breaking up the Copt's protests, Badie said “The problem should have been nipped in the bud when strife broke out, before they escalated in Maspero.

"The violent exchange went both ways, and no entity can currently be held accountable, despite a number of witness reports. Investigations must be conducted regarding the shootings which killed protestors and the armoured vehicles which razed some protestors to the ground," he said.

Badie maintained that the Maspero clashes were an attempt to incite sedition which would keep the military in power for a longer period.

In regard to SCAF statements, which vowed not to field a ‘military’ candidate for president, Badie said that he hoped SCAF would be true to its word. "The military has its role and work cut out for it, and that is to protect the country's borders. It should not be preoccupied with ruling, but rather protecting the nation," he said.

With regard to elections, Badie stated that MB candidates vying for seats in parliament would not exceed 50% of the seats. As for international monitoring of the elections Badie reiterated his refusal for such ‘monitors’. However, he welcomed international observation and reporting of elections.

Addressing the issue of Copts supporting the MB, Badie said that any fears by Copts of the MB winning seats are groundless as Copts’ rights will be guaranteed. "For years, the group has been vilified and used as a bogeyman to intimidate the people and create panic and discord", he added.

“Time will tell,” he said, “and prove to the Copts that their equality, freedom and rights will be fully observed.”